That’s Funny

“Funny,” at it’s core, describes some variance between what you expect to happen and what actually happens. A monkey is dressed like a baby. A prehistoric man has trouble buying car insurance. A prepubescent kid headlines a meeting of serious conservative thinkers. On some basic level, these things are funny.

Over the past few days, I’ve heard myself saying “that’s funny” more often than usual, despite the growing absurdity of our economic moment. Even with the world upside down, I didn’t expect most of these things, which I’m deciding is a hopeful sign. Some facts still have the power to surprise:

Sears has had an open CEO search for 13 months and is now soliciting people to apply for the job if they feel “up to the challenge.” Apparently there is very little interest.

Almost all of the top posts under Geithner at Treasury are still vacant — the Herald Tribune reports it’s because the White House has become so worried about potential tax problems that it has nominated only a handful of people. It’s hard to find more compelling motivation for a flat tax.

Ryanair is considering charging passengers for use of its in-flight bathrooms.

Michael Steele is pro-choice.

Ryanair is also launching a new transatlantic service. Bring your quarters.

David Brooks is using his extraordinary platform to attach meaning to Michele Obama’s arms, and has named them “Thunder” and “Lightening.”

Ryanair is also pressuring pilots to fly with less fuel. Don’t assume the flotation device will be free.

After playing an active role in pushing plastic on America, American Express is paying some customers $300 to close their accounts and walk away.